Gaming machine selecting and displaying terminal device capable of obtaining special payout and playing method thereof

ABSTRACT

A gaming machine awards a base payout based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet, for stations  4  each of which receives a special payout target and awards a payout. Based on the bets in the respective stations  4 , a possible target for a special payout is set. When a possible target is set, the image data is displayed on a special payout symbol indicator  62  so as to specify the station  4  of the possible target. A special payout target is randomly selected from the possible targets and is displayed on a bonus win indicator  63 , and a special payout is awarded in the station  4.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims priority from Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 2007-096352 filed on Apr. 2, 2007, the entire disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a multi participant-type gaming machine inwhich several players can take part in a game.

2. Description of Related Art

There has been conventionally known a multi participant-type gamingmachine in which several players make a bet from client terminals toplay a game. For example, the Patent Documents 1, 2 and 3 disclose agaming machine in which several consoles, a central controller and acommon indicator are associated with each other. For example, there areUS2005/0059474 A1, US2005/0282618 A1 and US2005/0218590 A1.

There is a gaming machine having a function of awarding a special payoutsuch as “JACKPOT” so as to further interest a player in a game, inaddition to a base payout based on a game result and a game value bet.In the conventional multi participant-type gaming machine, it is neededto provide the gaming machine with a function of awarding a specialpayout to a player, so as to further interest the player in a game.

An object of the invention is to provide a gaming machine capable ofawarding a special payout in a form suitable for a game in which severalplayers take part, and a playing method thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above object, the invention provides a gamingmachine comprising: a gaming machine main body (this is not limited to aroulette unit) that executes a game; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which receives a bet for the game and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the game; and a controllerprogrammed to operate as described in steps of (a1) to (a5).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(a1) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on anexecution result of the game and a game value bet;

(a2) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as apossible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets inthe terminal devices;

(a3) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to thedisplay device so as to specify the terminal device of the possibletarget;

(a4) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one ormore possible targets; and

(a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the specialpayout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, theimage data is outputted to the display device so as to specify theterminal device of the possible target. This enables a player whooperates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that aspecial payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible tohave a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance ofwinning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on agame result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitablefor a multi participant-type game having the terminal devices.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller programmed to operate as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position ofthe ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(b2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payoutrate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game valuebet on the bet area;

(b3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as apossible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets inthe terminal devices;

(b4) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to thedisplay device so as to specify the terminal device of the possibletarget;

(b5) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one ormore possible targets; and

(b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the specialpayout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, theimage data is outputted to the display device so as to specify theterminal device of the possible target. This enables a player whooperates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that aspecial payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible tohave a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance ofwinning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on agame result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitablefor a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller programmed to operate as described in steps of (c1) to (c7).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position ofthe ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(c2) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on a payoutrate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game valuebet on the bet area;

(c3) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respectiveterminal devices,

respectively;

(c4) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summedvalue of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,

(c5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to thedisplay device so as to specify the terminal device of the possibletarget;

(c6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one ormore possible targets; and

(c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the specialpayout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on a summed value of game values bet in therespective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the displaydevice so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. Thisenables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible targetto recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, sinceit is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the playerstands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payoutdepending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout ina form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having theterminal devices. Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lotteryright to the special payout by the bet of a predetermined or more gamevalue, it is possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types ofspecial payout symbols and is programmed to operate as described insteps of (d1) to (d7).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(d1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position ofthe ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(d2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payoutrate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game valuebet on the bet area;

(d3) to determine whether to set each of the terminal devices as apossible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets inthe terminal devices;

(d4) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one specialpayout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the onespecial payout symbol on the display device;

(d5) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to thedisplay device so as to specify the terminal device of the possibletarget;

(d6) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one ormore possible targets; and

(d7) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payoutsymbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, theimage data is outputted to the display device so as to specify theterminal device of the possible target. This enables a player whooperates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that aspecial payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible tohave a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance ofwinning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on agame result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitablefor a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices.

Furthermore, when the possible target is set, one special payout symbolis randomly selected from the special payout symbols and is displayed onthe display device, so that a player is able to recognize the contentsof a special payout in the form of the special payout symbol. Thisfurther interests the player in a special payout in the roulette game.

The invention provides a gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that is provided to each of the terminal devices and displaysimage data relating to the roulette game and the bet areas; a lighttransmissive touch panel that is provided to a front of the displaydevice to be press-operable; and a controller that stores, as the imagedata, a plurality of types of special payout symbols and is programmedto operate as described in steps of (e1) to (e9).

Specifically, the controller operates:

(e1) to receive a bet on the bet area corresponding to a pressedlocation of the touch panel;

(e2) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position ofthe ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;

(e3) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payoutrate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game valuebet on the bet area;

(e4) to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respectiveterminal devices, respectively;

(e5) to set, as a possible target, a terminal device having the summedvalue of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more,

(e6) when the possible target is set, to randomly select one specialpayout symbol from the special payout symbols and to display the onespecial payout symbol on the display device;

(e7) when the possible target is set, to output the image data to thedisplay device so as to specify the terminal device of the possibletarget;

(e8) to randomly select a special payout target from a group of one ormore possible targets; and

(e9) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payoutsymbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on a summed value of game values bet in therespective terminal devices, the image data is outputted to the displaydevice so as to specify the terminal device of the possible target. Thisenables a player who operates the terminal device of the possible targetto recognize that a special payout will be awarded. As a result, sinceit is possible to have a player be aware during a game that the playerstands a chance of winning a special payout in addition to a base payoutdepending on a game result, it is possible to award a special payout ina form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette game having theterminal devices.

Furthermore, since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to thespecial payout by the bet of a predetermined or more game value, it ispossible to enable to the player to positively make a bet. Further, whenthe possible target is set, one special payout symbol is randomlyselected from the special payout symbols and is displayed on the displaydevice, so that a player is able to recognize the contents of a specialpayout in the form of the special payout symbol. This further intereststhe player in a special payout in the roulette game.

The invention provides a playing method of a gaming machine, comprisingthe steps of: awarding a base payout based on an execution result of agame and a game value bet, for each of a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which receives a bet for a game and awards a payout; setting apossible target for a special payout, based on the respective bets inthe terminal devices; when the possible target is set, displaying imagedata so as to specify a terminal device of the possible target; randomlyselecting a special payout target from a group of one or more possibletargets; and awarding a special payout in the terminal device of thespecial payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices, theimage data is outputted to the display device so as to specify theterminal device of the possible target. This enables a player whooperates the terminal device of the possible target to recognize that aspecial payout will be awarded. As a result, since it is possible tohave a player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance ofwinning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on agame result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitablefor a multi participant-type game having the terminal devices.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an operating state of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a roulette gaming device;

FIG. 3 is an external perspective showing a schematic structure of aroulette gaming device;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a roulette wheel;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a server;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system of a roulette gamingdevice;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of a station;

FIG. 8 illustrates a payout management table;

FIG. 9 illustrates a station management table;

FIG. 10 illustrates a variable state of a special payout symbol in aspecial payout symbol indicator;

FIG. 11 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 12 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 13 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 14 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 15 illustrates a display state of an image display device;

FIG. 16 is a flow chart of a game process routine that is performed in astation;

FIG. 17 is a flow chart of a chance slot process routine;

FIG. 18 is a flow chart of a process that is performed in a server; and

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of a bonus lottery process.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, a gaming machine and a playing method thereof according toan embodiment of the invention will be described.

An embodiment of the invention will be described with reference to FIGS.1 to 19. A gaming machine is structured to obtain a lottery right basedon a bet and thus to perform a lottery while displaying the lotteryright obtained. In other words, as shown in FIG. 1, a gaming machine 101includes: a gaming machine main body 102 that executes a game; severalterminal devices 103 each of which receives a special payout target andawards a payout; a display device 104 that displays image data relatingto the game; and a controller 105 of FIG. 2. The controller 105 isconfigured to execute a program that operates as described in steps of(a1) to (a5).

Specifically, in a step of (a1), the controller awards to each terminaldevice 103 a base payout based on an execution result of a game and agame value bet. In a step of (a2), the controller determines whether toset each of the terminal devices as a possible target for a specialpayout, based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In astep of (a3), when any one of the terminal devices 103 a is set as thepossible target (the terminal device set as the possible target ishereinafter referred to as participating terminal 103), the controlleroutputs the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify theterminal device 103 possible target as a possible target. In a step of(a4), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from agroup of possible target one or more possible targets. In a step of(a5), the controller awards a special payout in the terminal device 103selected as the special payout target.

Here, the “gaming machine 101” may be a one player-type or a multiparticipant-type. For example, the gaming machine 101 may include agaming machine (roulette gaming device 1) that executes a roulette gameand the like, on condition that many players take part in the game.Furthermore, the gaming machines such as slot machine in which oneplayer plays a game may be associated with each other so that via datacommunication is possible, thereby constituting a multi participant-typegaming machine.

The “gaming machine main body 102” may execute a game by means of amechanical operation, an electrical operation or a combination ofmechanical and electrical operations, as long as the game is amultiplayer-type game. The game executed by means of a mechanicaloperation can be a game using a roulette unit 3 that rotates or moves anactual ball or wheel. The game executed by means of an electricaloperation can be a game that virtually rotating or moving an image of aball or wheel displayed on a display device such as liquid crystaldisplay.

The “terminal device 103” may be a gaming-only terminal device (station4) or an information processing device such as a personal computer usedfor multiple purposes, as long as it can receive a bet for a game andaward a payout. The “image data” may be still image data or moving imagedata. Further, the image data may be the number of the terminal device103, a name or face specifying a player, animals and plants, motif andthe like. The “display device 104” may be provided in each of theterminal devices 103 or may be a single large screen display sharedamong all the terminal devices 103. For example, the display device 104may include a liquid crystal display device, a CRT (Cathode-Ray Tube)device, a plasma display device and the like.

A method of specifying the participating terminal 103 possible targetmay be a method of outputting the image data of the number of theterminal device 103 and the like on the display device 104, or a methodof switching an image of a special payout symbol indicator 62 in thedisplay device 104 of the participating terminal 103 possible targetfrom a still state to a moving state.

The “execution result of a game” is a state where a game could enter a“win” state as a result of executing a unit game. In this embodiment,the “execution result of a game” may be also referred to as a “gameresult.” For example, in a roulette game in which a ball is rolled on awheel, an execution result is a mark on the wheel corresponding to astop position of the ball. In a slot game, an execution result is apattern of symbols stopped after rearrangement. Note that the“rearrangement” means arranging the symbols again after dismissing thearrangement of the symbols. The “arrangement” means a state in which thesymbols are visible to an exterior player.

The “unit game” is a series of operations from a reception state of abet (bet time) to the state where a game could enter a “win” state(i.e., game time, payout time). For example, in a roulette game, theunit game includes a bet time for receiving a bet, a game time duringwhich a ball is rolled and then stopped and a payout time during which apayout is awarded.

The “game value” includes a medal, a coin, a gaming ball, money, bill, amagnetic card and the like. The “base payout” is a payout that isawarded based on an execution result of a game and a game value bet. Forexample, in a roulette game, the game value is a payout that isdetermined on the basis of a payout rate, which is set in a bet areacorresponding to a mark (win mark) corresponding to a stop position of aball after the ball rolls in a roulette unit, and a game value bet onthe bet area.

The “special payout” means a bonus that is paid out irrespective of thegame value bet. A JACKPOT may be set as a special payout. In the meantime, the “JACKPOT” means that some of the game values bet aresubtracted and accumulated and all or a part of the game valuesaccumulated is awarded when a “win” state is resulted.

The “possible target” means a terminal device 103 having obtained aright for participating in a lottery for the special payout(hereinafter, lottery right). The lottery right is a right that isdetermined by means of a random selection. The possible target is setbased on a bet. A setting type based on a bet may be a type based on adegree of a game value bet or a type in which a bet is made on a sidebet area provided for a possible target. The “special payout target”means a terminal device 103 to which a special payout selected from thepossible targets is awarded.

The gaming machine 101 structured as described above executes a playingmethod comprising the steps of awarding a base payout based on anexecution result of a game and a game value bet, for each of a pluralityof terminal devices 103 each of which receives a bet for a game andawards a payout; setting a possible target for a special payout, basedon the respective bets in the terminal devices 103; when the possibletarget is set, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device103 of the possible target; randomly selecting a special payout targetfrom a group of one or more possible targets; and awarding a specialpayout in the terminal device 103 of the special payout target.

Thus, according to the gaming machine 101 and the playing method, when apossible target for a special payout is set based on the respective betsin the terminal devices 103, the image data is outputted to the displaydevice so as to specify the terminal device 103 as the possible target.That way, a player who operates the terminal device 103 set as thepossible target is informed that the player stands a chance of receivinga special payout. As a result, since it is possible to have a player beaware during a game that the player stands a chance of winning a specialpayout in addition to a base payout depending on a game result, it ispossible to award a special payout in a form suitable for a multiparticipant-type game having the terminal devices 103.

Further, the gaming machine 101 has such a structure that a lotteryright to a special payout based on a bet for a roulette game is obtainedand a lottery is performed while displaying the lottery right obtained.In other words, the gaming machine 101 includes: a roulette unit (gamingmachine main body 102) that executes a roulette game in which a ballrolls on a wheel having marks disposed thereon; terminal devices 103each of which has several bet areas corresponding to at least one mark,and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice 104 that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller 105. The controller 105 is configured to execute a programthat operates as described in steps of (b1) to (b6).

Specifically, in a step of (b1), the controller sets, as a win mark, amark corresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rollsin the roulette unit. In a step of (b2), the controller awards to eachterminal device 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a betarea corresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area.In a step of (b3), the controller determines whether to set each of theterminal devices 103 as a possible target for a special payout, based onthe respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (b4), whenthe possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to thedisplay device so as to specify the terminal device 103 of the possibletarget. In a step of (b5), the controller randomly selects a specialpayout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In a step of(b6), the controller awards a special payout in the terminal device 103of the special payout target.

According to the above structure, when a possible target for a specialpayout is set based on the respective bets in the terminal devices 103,the image data is outputted to the display device 104 so as to specifythe terminal device 103 of the possible target. That way, a player whooperates the terminal device 103 set as the possible target is informedthat the player stands a chance of receiving a special payout. As aresult, since it is possible to have a player be aware during a gamethat the player stands a chance of winning a special payout in additionto a base payout depending on a game result, it is possible to award aspecial payout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulettegame having the terminal devices.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 101 may have such a structure that alottery right for a special payout is obtained by a bet of apredetermined number or more game value. To be more specific, thecontroller 100 may have a structure to execute a program that operatesas described in steps of (c1) to (c6).

In a step of (c1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a markcorresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in theroulette unit. In a step of (c2), the controller awards to each terminaldevice 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet areacorresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In astep of (c3), the controller calculates a summed value of game valuesbet placed by the terminal devices 103, respectively. In a step of (c4),the controller sets, as a possible target, a terminal device having thesummed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value or more.In a step of (c5), when the possible target is set, the controlleroutputs the image data to the display device 104 so as to specify theterminal device 103 as a possible target. In a step of (c6), thecontroller randomly selects a special payout target from a group of oneor more possible targets. In a step of (c7), the controller awards aspecial payout in the terminal device 103 set as the special payouttarget.

According to the above structure, since it is possible to obtain alottery right to a special payout by a bet of a predetermine or moregame value as well as to award a special payout in a form suitable for amulti participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices 103, itis possible to enable to the player to positively make a bet.

Furthermore, the gaming machine 101 may be structured to have a playerbe aware of the contents of the special payout by a special payoutsymbol. To be more specific, the controller 100 may be configured toexecute a program that operates as described in steps of (d1) to (d7).

In a step of (d1), the controller sets, as a win mark, a markcorresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in theroulette unit. In a step of (d2), the controller awards to each terminaldevice 103 a base payout based on a payout rate set for a bet areacorresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In astep of (d3), the controller determines whether to set each of theterminal devices 103 as a possible target for a special payout, based onthe respective bets in the terminal devices 103. In a step of (d4), whenthe possible target is set, the controller randomly selects one specialpayout symbol among the special payout symbols and displays the onespecial payout symbol on the display device 104. In a step of (d5), whenthe possible target is set, the controller outputs the image data to thedisplay device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 as thepossible target. In a step of (d6), the controller randomly selects aspecial payout target from a group of one or more possible targets. In astep of (d7), the controller awards a special payout corresponding tothe special payout symbol in the terminal device 103 set as the specialpayout target.

According to the above structure, it is possible to award a specialpayout in a form suitable for a multi participant-type roulette gamehaving the terminal devices 103. Furthermore, when a possible target isset, one special payout symbol is randomly selected among the specialpayout symbols and is displayed on the display device 104, so that aplayer is able to recognize the contents of a special payout in the formof the special payout symbol. This further interests the player in aspecial payout in the roulette game.

(Structure of the Controller 105)

As shown in FIG. 2, the gaming machine 101 includes: a roulette unit 3(main body 102 of the gaming machine) executing a roulette game in whicha ball rolls on a wheel having marks arranged thereon; terminal devices103 each of which has several bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; displaydevices 104 each of which is provided to each of the terminal devices103 and displays image data and bet areas relating to a roulette game;light transmissive touch panels 50 each of which is provided to a frontside of each display device 104 to be press-operable from an outside;and a controller 105.

The controller 105 includes: a special payout symbol memory 121 thatstores special payout symbols, as the image data; and a payout ratememory 115 that stores a bet type and a payout rate. Further, thecontroller 105 includes a win mark setting unit 111 that receives asignal from a roulette unit 3. The win mark setting unit 111 has afunction of setting, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stopposition of a ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit 3.

Further, the controller 105 includes: a bet receiving unit 112 thatreceives a terminal signal outputted from the terminal device 103. Thebet receiving unit 112 has functions of receiving a bet on the bet areacorresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel 50 and extractingthe terminal data such as the terminal number of the terminal device103, a bet type, a bet-number (game value) and the like included in aterminal signal. The bet receiving unit 112 is associated with a betmemory 113. The bet memory 113 has a function of storing the terminaldata outputted from the bet receiving unit 112. The bet memory 113outputs a terminal number, a bet type and a bet-number to a base payoutinstruction unit 114. Furthermore, the bet memory 113 output abet-number to a bet-number summing unit 116.

The base payout instruction unit 114, to which the terminal data isinputted from the bet memory 113, receives the terminal data from thebet memory 113, a win mark from the win mark setting unit 111 and a bettype and a payout rate from the payout rate memory 115. The base payoutinstruction unit 114 has functions of calculating a base payout based ona payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to a win mark and abet-number (game value) bet for the bet area, and instructing a terminaldevice corresponding to the terminal number to award a base payout.

Further, the bet-number summing unit 116, to which a bet-number isinputted from the bet memory 113, has a function of calculating a summedvalue of the bet-numbers bet in the respective terminal devices 103. Thebet-number summing unit 116 is associated with a summed bet-numbermemory 117. The summed bet-number memory 117 has a function of storing asummed value calculated in the bet-number summing unit 116,correspondingly to the terminal number of the terminal device 103. Thesummed bet-number memory 117 is associated with a possible targetsetting unit 118. The possible target setting unit 118 has functions ofdetermining whether a summed value stored in the summed bet-numbermemory 117 is a predetermined value or more and setting the terminalnumber of the terminal device, for which it is determined that a summedvalue is a predetermined value or more, as a possible target.

The possible target setting unit 118 outputs a terminal number of apossible target to a special payout target determining unit 119 and aspecial payout symbol determining unit 122. The special payout targetdetermining unit 119 has a function of randomly selecting a specialpayout target from a group of one or more terminal numbers of thepossible targets. In the mean time, the special payout symboldetermining unit 122 has functions of randomly selecting one specialpayout symbol among special payout symbols stored in a special payoutsymbol memory 121 and outputting the one special payout symbol on thedisplay device 104 of the terminal device 103, when a possible target isset.

The special payout target determining unit 119 and the special payoutsymbol determining unit 122 are associated with the gaming machine mainbody 102. A special payout instruction unit 120 has a function ofinstructing the terminal device 103 having a terminal number of aspecial payout target inputted from the special payout targetdetermining unit 119 to award a special payout corresponding to aspecial payout symbol from the special payout symbol determining unit122.

Each block of the controller 105 may be embodied in hardware orsoftware, as required. When each block is embodied in software, thecontroller 105 is structured by a program that operates as described inthe steps of (e1) to (e9).

In a step of (e1), the controller receives a bet on the bet areacorresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel. In a step of(e2), the controller sets, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stopposition of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit 3. In astep of (e3), the controller awards to each terminal device 103 a basepayout based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to thewin mark and a game value bet on the bet area. In a step of (e4), thecontroller calculates a summed value of bet-numbers (game values) bet inthe respective terminal devices 103, respectively. In a step of (e5),the controller sets, as a possible target, a terminal device 103 havingthe summed value of the game values, which is a predetermined value ormore. In a step of (e6), when the possible target is set, the controllerrandomly selects one special payout symbol among the special payoutsymbols and displays the one special payout symbol on the terminaldevice 103. In a step of (e7), when the possible target is set, thecontroller outputs the image data to the display device 104 so as tospecify the terminal device 103 of the possible target. In a step of(e8), the controller randomly selects a special payout target from agroup of one or more possible targets. In a step of (e9), the controllerawards a special payout corresponding to the special payout symbol inthe terminal device 103 of the special payout target.

(Operations of the Controller 105)

An operation of a game controller 100 will be described. First performedis an operation of a bet time of FIG. 1. On the display device 104 ofthe terminal device 103 are displayed image data and a bet area relatingto a roulette game. When a bet on a bet area corresponding to a pressedlocation of the touch panel 50 is received, a terminal signal includingthe terminal data such as the terminal number of the terminal device103, a bet type, a bet-number (game value) and the like is outputted tothe bet receiving unit 112. When the bet receiving unit 112 receives theterminal signal, the terminal data included in the terminal signal isstored in the bet memory 113.

Next, the terminal data of the bet-number stored in the bet memory 113is read out by the bet-number summing unit 116. Then, a summed value ofthe bet-numbers is calculated. When the calculation of the summed valueof the bet-numbers for all the terminal devices 103 is carried out, thesummed value of the bet-numbers is stored in the summed bet-numbermemory 117. The possible target setting unit 118 determines whether thesummed value stored in the summed bet-number memory 117 is apredetermined value or more. When it is determined that the summed valueis a predetermined value or more, the terminal number having the summedvalue is set as a possible target.

When a possible target is set, the special payout symbol determiningunit 122 randomly selects one special payout symbol among the specialpayout symbols stored in the special payout symbol memory 121. Then, thedetermined special payout symbol is displayed on the display device 104of the terminal device 103. The detailed display will be describedlater. Meantime, a state of selecting a special payout symbol from theseveral types of the special payout symbols may be displayed on thedisplay device 104.

Like this, when a possible target for a special payout is set on thebasis of a summed value of the bet-numbers (game values) bet in therespective terminal devices 103, the image data is outputted on thedisplay device 104 so as to specify the terminal device 103 of thepossible target. That way, a player who operates the terminal device 103set as the possible target is informed that the player stands a chanceof receiving a special payout. As a result, since it is possible to havea player be aware during a game that the player stands a chance ofwinning a special payout in addition to a base payout depending on agame result, it is possible to award a special payout in a form suitablefor a multi participant-type roulette game having the terminal devices103. Furthermore, since a lottery right to the special payout can beobtained by a predetermined or more bet-number, it is possible to enableto the player to positively make a bet.

Further, when a possible target is set, the special payout targetdetermining unit 119 randomly selects a special payout target from agroup of one or more terminal numbers of the possible targets. Thedetermined special payout target is displayed on the display device 104of the terminal device 103. In the mean time, during a period for whicha special payout target is selected, a premonition image may bedisplayed on the display device 104. The specific display will bedescribed later.

Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol israndomly selected from the several types of the special payout symbolsand is displayed on the display device 104, so that a player is able torecognize the contents of a special payout in the form of the specialpayout symbol. This further interests the player in a special payout inthe roulette game.

Then, an operation is started in the game time from the middle of thebet time. In the roulette unit 3, a roulette game is started. In otherwords, a ball rolls on a wheel having several marks disposed thereon.Then, when the ball is stopped and the roulette game is thus over, amark corresponding to a stop position of the ball is obtained. The markis outputted to the win mark setting unit 111. When the win mark settingunit 111 receives the mark outputted from the roulette unit 3, it setsthe mark as a win mark. Thus, the game time is over. Meantime, the bettime is over before the game time is over.

When the game time is over, an operation is started in a payout time.The win mark is outputted to the base payout instruction unit 114. Whenthe win mark is inputted to the base payout instruction unit 114, thebase payout instruction unit 114 obtains the terminal data from the betmemory 113 and the bet type and the payout rate from the payout ratememory 115. Then, based on the payout rate set for the bet areacorresponding to the win mark and the bet-number bet on the bet area, abase payout is calculated. Then, the base payout is paid out in theterminal device 103 corresponding to the terminal number.

Further, when the win mark is set in the win mark setting unit 111, aspecial payout corresponding to the special payout symbol of the specialpayout symbol determining unit 122 is paid out in the terminal device103 having the terminal number of the special payout target inputtedfrom the special payout target determining unit 119.

(Mechanical Structure: Schematic Structure)

In the followings, it will be specifically described a case where thegaming machine 101 is applied to a roulette gaming device 1. FIG. 3 isan external perspective view showing a schematic structure of a roulettegaming device 1 according to an embodiment. The roulette gaming device 1has a cabinet 2, a roulette unit 3, stations 4 and an electric lightindicator 5. The cabinet 2 fixes the roulette unit 2, the stations 4 andthe electric light indicator 5 at predetermined positions and protects adevice equipped therein such as electronic substrate.

The roulette unit 3 corresponds to the gaming machine main body 102shown in FIG. 2 and is disposed substantially at a central part of thecabinet 2. The stations 4 correspond to the terminal devices 103 of FIG.2 and are disposed around the roulette unit 2. To be more specific, 12(twelve) stations 4 are disposed to surround the roulette unit 3. Thestation 4 serves as a bet unit for receiving a bet operation of a playerand a payout unit for awarding a medal. The bet operation is anoperation that a player predicting a win number of the roulette unit 3inputs the contents such as number corresponding to the predicted winnumber.

The electric light indicator 5 has a JP amount indicator 15. The JPamount indicator 15 is mounted on a top of the electric light indicator5. Thus, the JP amount indicator 15 allows all players who play a gamein the stations 4 to see the display contents.

The JP amount indicator 15 displays a jackpot (JP) amount that is aspecial payout. Here, the roulette gaming device 1 accumulates 0.5% ofcredits that are bet in a roulette game using a BET screen 61 in thetwelve stations 4 and stores the accumulated credit as a jackpot. Thecredit of the jackpot is paid out to a predetermined station 4 when aspecial payout is determined by lot. Meanwhile, the “win” means that a“win” state is resulted.

Further, the roulette gaming device 1 has a server 13. The server 13corresponds to the controller 105 of FIG. 2. The server 13 is disposedat a corner part 12 of the cabinet 2. The server 13 is received in aninner space of the corner part 12. The inner space of the corner part 12can be opened/shut by means of a corner door 14 having an authenticationkey attached. The corner door 14 is typically shut so that a playercannot operate the server 13. In the mean time, in the operation of theserver 13, the corner door 14 is opened by operating an authenticationkey. Thus, the server 13 is operated from an outside of the cabinet 2,so that various settings of the roulette gaming device 1 can beperformed.

(Mechanical Structure: Roulette Unit 3)

A structure of the roulette unit 3 will be described with reference toFIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the roulette unit 3 according to anembodiment. The roulette unit 3 includes a frame 21 fixed to the cabinet2 and a wheel 22 disposed at an inner side of the frame 21. As shown inFIG. 3, an entire upper part of the roulette unit 3 is covered by meansof a hemisphere cover member 28 made of transparent acryl.

As shown in FIG. 4, the wheel 22 is received in the frame 21 and itsupper surface is exposed to an outside. The wheel 22 is horizontallydisposed so that a center axis of rotation thereof is identical to avertical direction, and is supported to freely rotate so that a centerpoint thereof is a rotation center. The wheel 22 has several numberedpockets 23 (38 pockets in this embodiment). The numbered pockets 23 aredisposed in a ring shape at a periphery of an upper surface of the wheel22. Each of the numbered pockets 23 is shaped in a recess shape having asize and a depth capable of receiving a ball 27.

Further, the wheel 22 has several numbered plates 25. The numberedplates 25 are set same as the numbered pockets 23. The numbered plates25 indicate each number of “00”, “0”, “1” to “36” as figure letters.Each of the numbered plates 25 is disposed at the periphery of therespective numbered pockets 23. Thus, the numbered pockets 23 are givenwith any number of “00”, “0”, “1” to “36” of the numbered plates 25.

The frame 21 that the wheel 22 is disposed at the center of the frame isinclined downward at a small degree from the periphery to the wheel 22.The frame 21 has a guide wall 29. The guide wall 29 is disposed betweenthe periphery of the frame 21 and the wheel 22. The guide wall 29 guidesan inserted ball 27 against centrifugal force, thereby allowing the ball27 to roll.

Further, the frame 21 has a ball insertion slot 36. The ball insertionslot 36 is opened to the wheel 22. The ball insertion slot 36 isassociated with a ball insertion device (not shown) that is equipped inthe frame 21. The ball insertion device is structured to insert the ball27 from the ball insertion slot 36 onto the wheel 22.

Further, the roulette unit 3 has a win determining device 86 of FIG. 6and a ball collection device (not shown). The win determining device 86and the ball collection device are disposed below the wheel 22. The windetermining device 86 is a device for determining the numbered pocket 23having received the ball 27. Further, the roulette unit 3 has the ballcollection device that is not shown. The ball collection device is adevice for collecting the ball 27 on the wheel 22 after a roulette gameis over. In the mean time, since the ball insertion device, the windetermining device and the ball collection device have been alreadyknown, the detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

In the roulette unit 3 structured as described above, when a ball 27 isintroduced on the frame 21 by the ball insertion device, the guide wall29 guides the ball 27 against the centrifugal force of the ball 27,thereby enabling the ball 27 to roll. When the centrifugal force isdecreased as the rotation speed of the ball 27 is lowered, the ball 27is rolled down along the inclined surface of the frame 21, is moved tothe inside and reaches the wheel 22 being rotated. The ball 27, which isrolling-introduced onto the wheel 22, passes over the numbered plates 25at the periphery of the wheel 22 and then is received in any one of thenumbered pockets 23. As a result, the number indicated on the numberedplate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 23 having the ball 27received therein is determined by the win determining device 86, so thata win number is determined.

(Mechanical Structure: Server 13)

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the server 13 according to thisembodiment. Here, FIG. 5 shows a state that the corner door 4 of thecorner part 12 is opened.

The server 13 is equipped in a space 31 opened at a wall surface of thecabinet 2. The sever 13 is associated with each station 4. The server 13transmits a command signal to each of the stations 4 to initiativelycontrol each station 4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the server13 performs a maintenance operation for the roulette gaming device 1, inaddition to the control of a game of the roulette gaming device 1.

A liquid crystal display 32 and a keyboard 33 are associated with theserver 13. The liquid crystal display 32 displays a menu screen (notshown) or maintenance screen (not shown). Further, the keyboard 33 is anoperating means having several keys disposed thereon. In a state that amenu screen or maintenance screen is displayed on the liquid crystaldisplay 32, when an operator operates the keyboard 33, the maintenanceoperation as well as various settings in the roulette gaming device 1can be made.

(Mechanical Structure: Station 4)

The station 4 has a medal insertion slot 6, a control unit 7 and animage display device 8. The medal insertion slot 6 is used to insertmoney or a game medium used in a game such as chip, medal and the like.The control unit 7 has several operating parts such as control buttonand the like. The operating parts are used to input an instruction by aplayer. The image display device 8 displays an image relating to a gameand has a game area that receives a bet operation by a player. Thus, theimage display device 8 enables a player to operate the touch panel orcontrol unit 7 while seeing an image.

The control unit 7 is disposed at a side of the image display device 8.The control unit 7 has buttons each of which is operated by a player. Tobe more specific, the control unit 7 has a BET decision button 47, acashout button 48 and a help button 49. The BET decision button 47, thecashout button 48 and the help button 49 are disposed in an order fromleft, seen from a position opposite to the station 4.

The BET decision button 47 is a button that is pushed when deciding abet after a bet operation is carried out by means of the image displaydevice 8, which will be described later. Then, a bet is decided, and a“win” state is reached when the bet is made on the number indicated onthe numbered plate 25 corresponding to the numbered pocket 35 into whicha ball 27 is received in the roulette unit 3 during a game. When a “win”state is reached, the credits corresponding to the number of chips betare added to the credits that a player possesses currently. In the meantime, the bet operation will be described more specifically.

The cashout button 48 is a button that is pushed typically when a gameis over. When the cashout button 48 is pushed, the medals (typically,one medal for one credit), which correspond to the credits obtainedthrough a game and the like and currently possessed by a player, arecashed out from a medal payout slot 9. The help button 49 is a buttonthat is pushed when an operation method of a game is unclear, forexample. When the help button 49 is pushed, a help screen that displaysvariety of information on the image display device 8 is displayed.

The image display device 8 is a liquid crystal display of a touch paneltype having the touch panel 50 attached to a front thereof. When an icondisplayed on the liquid crystal is pushed with a finger and the like,the icon is selected. The display screen to be displayed on the imagedisplay device will be specifically described later.

Further, the respective stations 4 have medal payout slots 9, speakers10 and WIN lamps 11. The medal payout slots 9 are disposed at the sidesof the cabinet 2. The speakers 10 are disposed above a right side of theimage display device 8. The WIN lamps 11 are disposed at sides of thespeakers 10. The speakers 10 are used to output a music or effect musicrelating to a roulette game. The WIN lamps 11 are turned on/off when anumber (“00”, “0”, “1” to “35” in this embodiment) bet in the station 4is drawn.

In the mean time, the WIN lamps 11 are disposed at positions that can beseen from all the stations 4 (12 stations in this embodiment). Thus, theWIN lamps 11 enable another player to easily check a lighting stateduring the game in the same roulette gaming device 1.

A medal sensor (not shown) is provided in the medal insertion slot 6.The medal sensor validates a medal inserted into the medal insertionslot 6 and counts the inserted medal. Further, the medal payout slot 9is associated with a hopper (not shown). The hopper pays out apredetermined number of medals from the medal payout slot 9.

(Electrical Structure: Server 13)

FIG. 6 is a block diagram that schematically shows a control system of aroulette gaming device. As shown in FIG. 6, the roulette gaming device 1includes a server 13 and several stations 4 (12 stations in thisembodiment) associated with the server 13. The server 13 is associatedwith the roulette unit 3 and the electric light indicator 5. In the meantime, a control system of the station 4 will be specifically describedlater.

Further, the server 13 includes a server control CPU 81 serving as acalculation device performing an entire control and a control device, aROM 82 and a RAM 83, a timer 84 associated with the server control CPU81, a liquid crystal display 32 associated with the CPU through a liquidcrystal driving circuit 85 and a keyboard 33.

The server control CPU 81 executes a variety of processes, based oninput signals supplied from the respective stations 4 and data orprogram stored in the ROM 82 and the RAM 83. Thus, the server controlCPU 81 transmits a command signal to the stations 4 based on executionresults of the processes to initiatively control the respective stations4, thereby progressing a game. Further, the server control CPU 81 drivesa drive motor provided to the roulette unit 3, thereby shooting a ball27 or rotating the wheel 22. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81controls the win determining device 86, thereby determining a win numberbased on a dropped position of the ball. Then, based on the win numberobtained and the bet information transmitted from the respectivestations 4, the CPU determines a win of the chips bet and calculates thecredit-number to be paid out in each of the stations 4.

The ROM 82 includes a semiconductor memory, for example. The ROM 82stores a program for implementing basic functions of the roulette gamingdevice 1, a payout rate for a roulette game (the number of credits to bepaid out per one chip when a “win” state is reached), a program forinitiatively controlling the respective stations 4, and the like.

The RAM 83 temporarily stores the bet information of chips to besupplied from the respective stations 4, a win number of the rouletteunit 3 determined by a sensor, a JP amount that is accumulated up tonow, data relating to a result of a process that is executed by theserver control CPU 81, and the like.

Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the timer 84 thatmeasures time. The time information of the timer 84 is transmitted tothe server control CPU 81. The server control CPU 81 rotates the wheel22 or introduces the ball 27, based on the time information of the timer84, which will be described later.

Further, the server control CPU 81 is associated with the electric lightindicator 5. The server control CPU 81 controls light emission of alight emitting member such as LED to perform an effect by an electricspectacular and to display predetermined letters on the electric lightindicator 5. Furthermore, the server control CPU 81 displays the JPamount, which is accumulated up to now, on the JP amount indicator 15 ofthe electric light indicator 5.

Further, the ROM 82 is provided with a payout credit memory area inwhich a payout rate relating to a roulette game using the BET screen 61is stored. The payout credit memory area stores data of a bet type orpayout rate in a form of a payout management table shown in FIG. 8. Thepayout management table will be specifically described later.

Furthermore, the RAM 83 is provided with a bet information memory areain which the bet information of a player who is playing a game isstored. The bet information memory area stores data of bet informationor possible target in a form of a station management table shown in FIG.9. The station management table will be specifically described later.Further, the RAM 83 is provided with a win number memory area in which awin number of the roulette unit 3 determined by the win determiningdevice is stored, a JP accumulation memory area 83 in which a poolamount having pooled 0.5% of the credits bet on the BET screen 61 isstored, and the like. In the mean time, the bet information isinformation about a bet that is made using the stations 4, such as thebet area 72 displayed on the BET screen 61, the number of bet chips(bet-number) and bet type.

(Electrical Structure: Station 4)

In the followings, a structure of a control system of the station 4 willbe described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a control system of thestation according to an embodiment. In the mean time, the twelvestations 4 have a same structure, so that one station 4 will bedescribed as an example.

The station 4 includes a station control unit 90 and several peripheraldevices. The station control unit 90 includes a station control CPU 91,a ROM 92 and a RAM 93. The ROM 92 includes a semiconductor memory, forexample. The ROM 92 stores a program for implementing basic functions ofthe station 4, various programs necessary for controlling the station 4,a data table and the like. Further, the RAM 93 is a memory thattemporarily stores various data calculated in the station control CPU91, the number of credits that are currently possessed by a player(i.e., stored in the station 4), a bet situation of chips by a player,and the like.

Further, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a BET decisionbutton 47, a cashout button 48 and a help button 49, which are equippedin the control unit 7. Based on operation signals outputted as thebuttons are pushed, the station control CPU 91 performs a control so asto execute the corresponding operations. To be more specific, based onan input signal that is supplied from the control unit 7 as an operationby a player is inputted and the data or program stored in the ROM 92 andthe RAM 93, the station control CPU executes a variety of processes andtransmits the results thereof to the server control CPU 81. In the meantime, the station control CPU 91 receives a command signal from theserver control CPU 81, controls the peripheral devices constituting thestation 4 and progresses a roulette game in the station 4. Further, thestation control CPU 91 executes a variety of processes, based on aninput signal that is inputted from the control unit 7 as an operation bya player is inputted and the data or program stored in the ROM 92 andthe RAM 93, depending on contents of process, controls the peripheraldevices constituting the station 4 based on the process results andprogresses a roulette game in the station 4.

Further, the station control CPU 91 is associated with a hopper 94. Thehopper 94 pays out a predetermined number of medals from the medalpayout slot 9 in accordance with a command signal from the stationcontrol CPU 91. Furthermore, the station control CPU 91 is associatedwith an image display device 8 through a liquid crystal driving circuit95. With regard to this, the liquid crystal driving circuit 95 includesa program ROM, an image ROM, an image control CPU, a work RAM, a VDP(video display processor), a video RAM and the like. The program ROMstores an image control program for display on the image display device8, a variety of selection tables and the like.

Further, the image ROM stores dot data for forming an image to bedisplayed on the image display device 8, for example. The image controlCPU determines an image to be displayed on the image display device 8from the dot data previously stored in the image ROM, in accordance withan image control program previously stored in the program ROM, based onparameters set in the station control CPU 91. Further, the work RAMincludes a temporary memory unit to be used when the image controlprogram is executed in the image control CPU. Further, the VDP forms animage relating to contents of display determined in the image controlCPU and outputs the image on the image display device 8. In the meantime, the video RAM includes a temporary memory unit to be used when animage is formed in the VDP.

Further, a touch panel 50 is attached on a front of the image displaydevice 8. Operation information of the touch panel 50 is transmitted tothe station control CPU 91. On the touch panel 50, a player makes a betoperation with chips in the BET screen 61. To be more specific, a playeroperates the touch panel 50 with regard to a selection of the bet area72, an operation of a unit BET button 61 and the like, and the operationinformation is transmitted to the station control CPU 91. Based on theinformation, the current bet information of a player (a bet areaindicated in the BET screen 61 and the number of chips bet) is stored inthe RAM 93 at all times. Furthermore, the bet information is transmittedto the server control CPU 81 and is stored in the bet information memoryarea of the RAM 83.

Furthermore, a sound output circuit 96 and a speaker 10 are associatedwith the station control CPU 91. The speaker 10 generates a variety ofeffect sounds when performing various effects, based on an output signalfrom the sound output circuit 96.

Further, a medal sensor 97 is associated with the station control CPU91. The medal sensor 97 detects medals inserted from the medal insertionslot 6, calculates the inserted medals and transmits a result thereof tothe station control CPU 91. The station control CPU 91 increases thecredit-number possessed by a player, which is stored in the RAM 93,based on the transmitted signal.

Further, a WIN lamp 11 is associated with the station control CPU 91.When the chip bet in the BET screen 61 is determined to make a win orJP, the station control CPU 91 turns on/off the WIN lamp 11 in apredetermined color.

(Data Table)

In the followings, a payout management table of FIG. 8 will bedescribed. The data of the payout management table is stored in the ROM82 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 6. The payout management table has acolumn of numbers, a column of bet types and a column of payout rates.The data of numbers such as “1”, “2”, “3” and the like are stored in thecolumn of numbers. The data showing bet types such as “Straight”,“Split”, “Street” and the like are stored in the column of bet types.The bet types will be specifically described later. The data showing thepayout rates such as “35:1”, “17:1”, “11:1” and the like are stored inthe column of payout rates, correspondingly to the bet types. Thus, whena bet is made in a bet type of “Straight”, 35 pieces will be paid outper 1 piece bet.

In the followings, a station management table of FIG. 9 will bedescribed. In the mean time, the data of the station management table isstored in the RAM 83 of the server 13 shown in FIG. 6. The stationmanagement table has a column of stations, a column of bet informationhaving a column of bet types and a column of bet-numbers and a column ofpossible targets. The column of stations stores the machine number datainherent to each station 4. The column of bet types stores the bet typedata such as “Straight” as described above. The column of bet-numbersstores the number of pieces bet such as “20.” The column of possibletargets stores the data showing whether a possible target has apossibility that a special payout will be awarded thereto. In the meantime, the “1” in the column of possible targets shows that it is set asa possible target and “0” shows that it is not set as a possible target.

Thus, for example, in the station 4 having a machine number of “1”, abet is made in the bet type of “Straight” and “Corner”, a bet-number foreach bet type is 20 pieces and it is shown the possible target is “1.”Further, in the station 4 having a machine number of “2”, a bet is madein the bet type of “Red”, a bet-number for the bet type is 15 pieces andit is shown the non-possible target is “0.”

(Display States of the Image Display Device 8)

In the followings, display states of the image display device 8 will bespecifically described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 15. FIG. 11 shows astate that a possible target is set and a special payout symbol isdetermined by lot, resulting from a predetermined number or more bet. Ina display screen of the state, a BET screen 61 having a table-typebetting board 60 is displayed. A player can operate the BET screen 61 tobet a chip using the credits possessed.

In the table-type betting board 60 that is displayed in the BET screen61, the 38 numbers of “0,” “00,” and “1” to “36” are arranged in a gridform. Further, special bet areas for indicating “odd number”, “evennumber”, “types of colors of numbered plates (red or black)” and “apredetermined range of numbers (for example, “1” to “12”) to bet a chipare also arranged in a grid form.

At a lower part of the table-type betting board 60, a result historyindicator 65, a special payout symbol indicator 62, a unit BET button66, a cashout result indicator 67 and a credit-number indicator 68 aresequentially displayed from left of the screen. The result historyindicator 65 displays, in a list form, results of win numbers up to theprevious games (here, one game is a series of operations that a playerperforms a bet in each of the stations 4, a ball 27 is dropped in thenumbered pocket 23 and a credit is paid out based on a win number)

At this time, when one game is over, a win number is additionallydisplayed from top and a history of maximum 16 win numbers can bechecked.

The letters of “CHANCE SLOT” are displayed near to the special payoutsymbol indicator 62. When a possible target is set, the special payoutsymbol indicator 62 variably displays the special payout symbols in atime period for which it randomly selects one special payout symbol fromthe several types of special payout symbols, and stops the determinedspecial payout symbol. To be more specific, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 10,a summed value of bet-numbers is 15 pieces or more, the four types ofimage data of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” are sequentiallyswitching-displayed in the special payout symbol indicator 62. Thecondition of starting the switching-display, i.e., the condition ofsetting a possible target is such that a summed value of bet-numbers isa predetermined number or more, such as 15 pieces or more.

This enables a player who operates the station 4 to recognize that apossible target for which a special payout will be awarded is set. As aresult, it is possible to have a player be aware during the roulettegame that the player stands a chance of winning a special payout inaddition to a base payout depending on the game result. Furthermore,since it is possible to obtain a lottery right to the special payout bythe bet of a predetermined game value or more, it is possible to enableto the player to positively make a bet.

In the mean time, “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” indicate a payoutdegree. In other words, “MEGA” means a maximum payout-number, “MAJOR”means a middle degree of a payout-number, “MINI” means a small degree ofa payout-number and “LOSS” means no payout. For example, for “MEGA”, apayout is performed using all of JP (100%). For “MAJOR”, a payout isperformed using 70% of JP. For “MINI”, a payout is performed using 40%of JP.

Further, the unit BET buttons 66 are provided for a player to bet a chipon bet areas 72 (above the grids of number and mark or above linesforming a grid) indicated by the player. The unit BET button 66 includesa 1 BET button 66A, a 5 BET button 66B, a 10 BET button 66C and a 100BET button 66D. A player first pushes the screen with a finger, therebyindicating a bet area 72, on which a bet is made, with a cursor 70. Atthis state, when the player pushes the 1 BET button 66A, the player betsa chip in a unit of one piece (whenever the 1 BET button 66A is pushedwith a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of“1”-->“2”-->“3” . . . ). Further, when the player pushes the 5 BETbutton 66B, the player bets chips in a unit of five pieces (whenever the5 BET button 66B is pushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased inan order of “5”-->“10”-->“15” . . . ). Further, when the player pushesthe 10 BET button 66C, the player bets chips in a unit of ten pieces(whenever the 10 BET button 66C is pushed with a finger, the bet-numberis increased in an order of “10”-->“20”-->“30” . . . ). Furthermore,Further, when the player pushes the 100 BET button 66D, the player canbet chips in a unit of 100 pieces (whenever the 100 BET button 66D ispushed with a finger, the bet-number is increased in an order of“100”-->“200”-->“300” . . . ). Accordingly, even when many chips arebet, an operation thereof stays simple.

Further, the cashout result indicator 67 displays the number of chipsbet by a player in a previous game and the cashout credit-number. Here,the subtraction of the bet-number from the cashout credit-number resultsin a credit-number that is newly obtained by a player in a previousgame.

Furthermore, the credit-number indicator 68 displays the number ofcredits possessed by a current player. When a chip is bet, thecredit-number is decreased in proportional to the bet-number (one creditfor one bet). Further, when a win is determined for the chip bet and thecashout of credits is performed, the credit-number is increased as thecashout-number. In the mean time, when the credit-number possessed by aplayer is 0, the game is over.

A BET time indicator 69 is disposed above the table-type betting board60. The BET time indicator 69 displays a remaining time period for whicha player can make a bet. When a bet operation is received, “20” isdisplayed and the number is decreased by 1 every one second. When thenumber is “0,” a bet operation is not received. Further, in each of thestations 4, when the bet time of the player is 5 seconds, the ballinsertion device is driven to insert the ball 27 on the roulette wheel.

Furthermore, a JP indicator 73, which displays the credit-number of JPaccumulated up to now, is disposed at the right of the BET timeindicator 69. Here, the JP indicator 73 displays a value to which 0.5%of credits bet in the twelve stations 4 is accumulatively added and iscommon to all the stations 4. When a special payout, which is carriedout in combination with a roulette game under predetermined condition,is made, a win of JP is determined and the credit-number correspondingto a special payout symbol among the JP is paid out. In the mean time,the credit-number of JP that is accumulated up to now is also displayedon the JP amount indicator 15 of the electric light indicator 5.

Further, a cursor 70 showing the bet area 72 selected by a player isdisplayed on the table-type betting board 60. Additionally, a chip mark71 showing the number of chips that are bet up to now and the bet area72 is displayed and the number shown on the chip mark 71 indicates thenumber of chips bet.

When a player wants to make a bet in the BET screen 71 structured asdescribed above, the player indicates a bet area 72 to be bet (above thegrids of number and mark or above lines forming a grid) and directlypushes it with a finger. As a result, the cursor 70 is moved to the betarea 72 indicated. Then, when the unit buttons of the unit BET buttons66 (1 BET button 66A, 5 BET button 66B, 10 BET button 66C, 100 BETbutton 66D) are pushed, the chips as the unit number are bet on the betarea 72 indicated. For example, when the 10 BET button 66C is pushedfour times, the 5 BET button 66B is pushed one time and the 1 BET button66A is pushed three times, 48 chips can be bet.

FIG. 12 shows a state that a special payout symbol is determined by lot.In the display screen of the state, a bonus win indicator 63 appears onthe table-type betting board 60. The bonus win indicator 63 displays aspecial payout symbol that is determined by lot in the special payoutsymbol indicator 62. In other words, the bonus win indicator 63 displaysa letter image having combined the “special payout symbol”, which isdetermined by lot, and “JACKPOT CHANCE”.

Thus, when a possible target is set, one special payout symbol israndomly selected from the several types of the special payout symbolsand is displayed on the special payout symbol indicator 62 and the bonuswin indicator 63, so that contents of the special payout can berecognized to a player. This further interests the player in a specialpayout in the roulette game.

FIG. 13 shows a state that a special payout target is being determinedby lot among the possible targets. In the display screen of the state, aletter image displayed on the bonus win indicator 63 is rotated, therebydisplaying whether a payout corresponding to the special payout symbolwill be awarded or not. Thus, during the roulette game, it is possibleto enable a player to recognize a possibility that a special payoutcorresponding to a special payout symbol will be awarded, in addition toa possibility that a base payout based on a game result will be awarded.In the mean time, the rotation of a letter image on the bonus winindicator 63 is continued until the game time is over.

FIG. 14 shows a state that a special payout target is determined by lot.In other words, a letter image of “WIN” is displayed with a specialpayout symbol on the bonus win indicator 63. FIG. 15 shows a state thata special payout target is not determined. In other words, a letterimage of “SORRY, MAY BE NEXT” is displayed on the bonus win indicator63.

(Bet Types)

In the followings, the bet types will be described with reference to thebetting board 60 of FIG. 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, the chipmark 71 of “7”, which is put on the grid of “18”, indicates that 7 chipsare bet on the number “18.” Like this, the bet type in which a bet ismade on one number only is referred to as a “Straight bet.”

The chip mark 71 of “1”, which is put on an intersection of the grids of“5”, “6”, “8” and “9”, indicates that one chip is bet while covering thefour numbers of “5”, “6”, “8” and “9.” Like this, the bet type in whicha bet is made while covering the four numbers is referred to as a“Corner bet.”

Further, there is a bet type of “Split bet” in which a bet is made whilecovering two numbers above a line between the two numbers. Further,there is a bet type of “Street bet” in which a bet is made whilecovering three numbers at ends of the one row of the numbers (one columnin the vertical direction). Further, there is a bet type of “Five bet”in which a bet is made while covering five numbers of “0”, “00”, “1”,“2” and “3” above a line between “00” and “3”.

There is a bet type of “Line bet” in which a bet is made while coveringsix numbers (for example, “13”, “14”, “15”, “16”, “17” and “18”) betweentwo rows of the numbers (two columns in the vertical direction). Thereis a bet type of “Column bet” in which a bet is made while covering 12numbers above the grid of “2 to 1”. There is a bet type of “Dozen bet”in which a bet is made while covering 12 numbers above the grids of “1st12”, “2nd 12” and “3rd 12”, respectively.

Furthermore, there is a bet type of “Red or Black bet” in which a bet ismade on the color of the numbered plate (“red” or “black”) using the sixgrids provided at the lowest end of the table-type betting board 60.There is a bet type of “Odd or Even bet” in which a bet is made on theodd or even numbers. There is a bet type of “Low or High bet” in which abet is made while 18 numbers using the numbers of 18 or less or 19 ormore. Here, the bet types have different payouts (payout rates) of thecredits per one chip, which are awarded when the chip bet is determinedas a win.

(Processing Operations)

In the followings, the operations will be described, based on a gameprocessing program of the server that is executed by means of the servercontrol CPU 81 of the roulette gaming device 1, and a game processingprogram of the station that is executed by the station control CPU 91 ofthe station 4. In the mean time, the programs that are shown in flowcharts of FIGS. 16 to 19 are stored in the ROM 82 or RAM 83 of theserver 13 or the ROM 92 or RAM 93 of the station 4 and executed by theserver control CPU 81 or station control CPU 91.

(Station Side Game Process)

In the followings, a station side game process will be described withreference to FIG. 16. Firstly, it is determined whether a medal or billis inserted by a player, based on a detection signal of the medal sensor97 (S1). When a medal or bill is not inserted (S1, NO), this routine isended, and the step of S1 is repeatedly executed and the standby mode iscontinued until a medal or bill is inserted.

In the mean time, when a medal or bill is inserted (S1, YES), the creditdata of an amount of money corresponding to the number of piecesinserted is recorded in the RAM 93, so that the credit is added (S2).Then, a medal detection signal indicating that a medal or bill isinserted is transmitted to the server 13 (S3).

Then, in the image display device 8 of the station 4, the BET screen 61of FIG. 11 is displayed and a bet time for which a player can bet a chipis started (S4). Then, a bet operation is executed (S5). Thus, a playerwho takes part in a game can operate the touch panel 50 to make a bet onthe BET area 72 relating to a number that the player predicts, duringthe bet time for which a bet operation can be received. In the meantime, the detailed bet types using the BET screen 61 have been alreadydescribed. Therefore, the descriptions thereof will be omitted.

Further, the player can take part in a game in the course of the gameafter the bet time is started. In the roulette gaming device 1 of thisembodiment, maximum 12 players can play a game. Furthermore, when thistime game is carried out following the previous game, a bet operation isreceived just after the previous game is over.

When a bet operation is carried out, a bet information signal includingthe contents of the bet operation is transmitted to the server 13 (S6).Then, it is determined whether the bet time is over or not (S7). Whenthe bet time is not over (S7, NO), the process is transited to the stepof S5 and the state of receiving a bet operation is maintained. When thebet time end signal is received from the server 13, an image showingthat the bet time is over is displayed on the image display device 8 ofthe station 4 and the process of receiving a bet operation on the touchpanel 50 is ended (S8).

Then, when a win number signal, which is a game result of the roulettegame, is received from the server 13, a process such as one whichemphasizes the win number is carried out, so that an effect fornotifying the win number of the roulette game is performed (S9). When apayout result signal is received from the server 13, a credit is paidout on the basis of the payout result signal. To be more specific, thecredit data of a base payout and a special payout is stored in the RAM93. When the cashout button 48 is pressed, the medals (typically, onemedal per one credit) according to the credit-number currently stored inthe RAM 93 are paid out from the medal payout slot 9 (S10). Then, astandby mode is made. When a unit game end signal is received from theserver 13 (S11), this routine is ended. Then, a process of receiving abet operation in a next unit game is re-started.

(Chance Slot Process)

While the station side game process is performed, a chance slot processof FIG. 17 is performed in the station 4 at the same time. In otherwords, depending on whether a possible target signal from the server 13is received, it is determined whether to participate in a bonus (A1).When it is determined not to participate in a bonus (A1, NO), thisroutine is ended. Thus, the step of A1 is re-executed, so that thedetermination of whether to participate in a bonus is repeated.

When it is determined to participate in a bonus (A1, YES), a slotrotation is started in the special payout symbol indicator 62, as shownin FIGS. 1 and 12. To be more specific, as shown in FIG. 10, the fourtypes of the image data of “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS”, which arespecial payout symbols, are sequentially switching-displayed. Then, itis determined whether a bet time is over or not (A3). When a bet time isnot over (A3, NO), the step of S2 is re-executed and the slot rotationof the special payout symbols is continued on the special payout symbolindicator 62.

In the mean time, when a bet time is over (A3, YES), a bonus typecorresponding to the special payout symbol is registered, based on abonus type signal transmitted from the server 13. In other words, one of“MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” is registered (A4). Then, as shown inFIG. 12, the slot rotation of the special payout symbol indicator 62 isstopped and the special payout symbol corresponding to the bonus typeregistered is stopped on the special payout symbol indicator 62 (A5).

Then, the bonus win indicator 63 appears on the table-type betting board60. Then, a letter image having combined the special payout symbol”stopped on the special payout symbol indicator 62 and “JACKPOT CHANCE”is displayed on the bonus win indicator 63 (A6). Thus, a player is ableto be aware of standing a chance of winning a special payoutcorresponding to the “special payout symbol”.

The display of the letter image on the bonus win indicator 63 iscontinued until a first effect time has elapsed, through a waiting ofthe first effect time (A7). After that, an effect of a bonus win isperformed. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the letter image displayedon the bonus win indicator 63 is rotated (A8). When a special payouttarget signal is received from the server 13, a display based on thespecial payout target signal is made. To be more specific, when aspecial payout is determined by lot, a letter image of “WIN” isdisplayed with the special payout symbol on the bonus win indicator 63,as shown in FIG. 14. In the mean time, when a special payout is notdetermined, a letter image of “SORRY, MAY BE NEXT” is displayed on thebonus win indicator 63, as shown in FIG. 15 (A9). Then, the stationenters the standby mode. When a unit game end signal is received fromthe server 13 (A10), this routine is over.

(Server Side Game Processing)

In the followings, a server side game processing will be described withreference to FIG. 18. It is determined whether a player inserts a coinor bill by receiving a medal detection signal transmitted from thestation 4 (B1). When a medal detection signal is not received (B1, NO),this routine is ended. Thus, the step of B1 is repeated until a medaland the like is inserted in the station 1.

When a medal and the like is inserted in the station 3 (B1, YES), thereis started a measurement of a bet time period, which is a receptionperiod for which a player can make a bet, from the time at which thefirst player inserts a medal or bill (B2). In the mean time, when thistime game is executed following the previous game, a bet time is startedjust after the previous game is over. A player who takes part in a gamecan operate the touch panel 50 for the bet time period, thereby bettingthe chips on the bet area 72 related to the number predicted by theplayer.

Then, it is determined whether the remaining bet time is 5 seconds (B3).In the mean time, the remaining bet time is also displayed on the imagedisplay device 8 by means of the BET time indicator 69. When it isdetermined that the remaining bet time is not 5 seconds (B3, NO), thestep of S3 is re-executed, so that the standby mode is kept until theremaining bet time is 5 seconds. Meantime, when it is determined thatthe remaining bet time is 5 seconds (B3, YES), a roulette lotteryprocess is executed in the roulette unit 3.

To be more specific, the ball insertion device is driven, so that theball 27 is inserted into the roulette wheel (B4). Then, the drivingmotor is driven, so that the wheel 22 is rotated at a predeterminedrotation speed in a direction opposite to the ball insertion direction.The inserted ball 27 rolls on the roulette wheel along the guide wall29. Then, when the rotation speed is lowered and the centrifugal forceis thus reduced, the ball is dropped along the inclined surface of theframe 21 and thus reaches the wheel 22 being rotated (refer to FIG. 4).The ball 27, which reaches the wheel 22, continues to pass over thenumbered plates 25 at the periphery of the wheel 22 and is introducedinto one of the numbered pockets 23 and the number (any one of “00”, “0”and “1” to “36” in FIG. 4) shown on the numbered plate 25 correspondingto the numbered pocket 23 into which the ball 27 is introduced becomes awin number.

When the roulette lottery process is carried out as described above, abet information signal is received from the station 4 (B5). Thebet-number and the bet type included in the bet information signal areregistered in the station management table of FIG. 9 (B6). Then, it isdetermined whether the bet time is over (B7). When it is determined thatthe bet time is not over (B7, NO), the standby mode continues until thebet time is over. In the mean time, when it is determined that the bettime is over (B7, YES), a bet time end signal is transmitted to thestation 4 (B8).

Then, a jackpot accumulation process is executed (B9) To be morespecific, the bet information made by a player in each of the stations4, i.e., the information of the indicated bet area 72 and the number ofchips (bet-number) bet on the indicated bet area 72 and the bet type isreceived and stored in the bet information memory area of the RAM 83.Then, the credits, which correspond to 0.5% of the total credits bet inthe stations 4, are accumulated and added to the JP amount that isrecorded in the JP accumulation memory area 83V of the RAM 83.Correspondingly to this, the display of the JP amount indicator 15 andthe JP indicator 73 is updated.

Then, when the ball 27 is received in the numbered pocket 23 in theroulette unit 3, a win determining device 86 is driven. Thus, it isdetected a win number of the roulette unit 3 in this time game (B10).

Then, the win number signal including the information of the win numberis transmitted to the stations 4 (B11). Then, the bet information andthe win number of the stations 4 are used to determine whether the chipsrespectively bet in the stations 4 are determined as a win (B12).Continuously, a payout calculation process is executed. In the payoutcalculation process, the won chips bet on the win number are recognizedfor each station 4 and a sum of the payouts of the credits to berespectively paid out to the stations 4 is calculated with the payoutrates for each bet area 72, which are stored in the ROM 82 in a payoutmanagement table form of FIG. 8, i.e., the credit-number to be paid outper one chip (one bet) (B13).

Then, it is executed a process of transmitting a payout result signalincluding a payout result of the credits of the roulette game, based onthe payout calculation process. To be more specific, the payout resultsignal including the credit data of a base payout corresponding to thepayout amount of the roulette game is transmitted to the station controlCPU 91 of the station 4 that is determined to be a win in the roulettegame (B14).

Then, the ball collection device provided below the wheel 22 is driven,so that the ball 27 on the wheel 22 is collected. The collected ball 27is adapted to be inserted in the wheel 22 of the roulette unit 3 in anext or more game (B15). Then, a unit game end signal is transmitted tothe station 4 (B16) and this routine is ended.

(Bonus Lottery Process)

While the game process is performed in the server 13, a bonus lotteryprocess of FIG. 19 is performed at the same time. In other words, thestation management table of FIG. 9 is referred to and it is determinedwhether the bet-number in each station 4 is a predetermined value ormore, such as “15” (C1). When it is determined the bet-number is not apredetermined value (C1, NO), this routine is over and the step of C1 isrepeatedly executed.

When it is determined the bet-number is a predetermined value (C1, YES),a possible target is determined for which a special payout will beawarded and “1” is set in the corresponding location of the possibletarget column of FIG. 9 (C2). Then, a possible target signal istransmitted to the station 4 having the machine number for which “1” isset (C3).

Then, it is determined whether a bet time is over or not (C4). When abet time is not over (C4, NO), the step of C1 is re-executed. When a bettime is over (C4, YES), a bonus lottery is performed. To be morespecific, one bonus type is randomly selected from the four bonus typesof “MEGA”, “MAJOR”, “MINI” and “LOSS” (C5). Then, the determined bonustype is determined (C6) and a bonus type signal is then transmitted tothe station 4 (C7).

Then, a lottery is made to determine whether a special payout target isdetermined by lot, for all the possible targets. Thereby, depending onthe lottery result, all the possible targets may become a special payouttarget, or alternatively, several possible targets may become a specialpayout target (C8). Then, a special payout target signal including thelottery result of the special payout target is transmitted to thestation 4 that is set as a possible target (C9). After that, a standbymode is made. When a unit game end signal is received from the server 13(C10), this routine is over.

Although the above descriptions have been provided with regard to thecharacteristic parts so as to understand the invention more easily, theinvention is not limited to the embodiment as described above and can beapplied to the other embodiments and the applicable scope should beconstrued as broadly as possible. Furthermore, the terms and phraseologyused in the specification have been used to correctly illustrate theinvention, not to limit it. Further, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the other structures, systems, methods and thelike included in the spirit of the invention can be easily derived fromthe spirit of the invention described in the specification. Accordingly,it should be considered that the invention covers equivalent structuresthereof without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention asdefined in the following claims. Further, the abstract is provided sothat an intellectual property office and a general public institution orone skilled in the art who is not familiar with patent and legal orprofessional terminology can quickly analyze the technical features andessences of the invention through a simple investigation. Accordingly,the abstract is not intended to limit the scope of the invention thatshould be evaluated by the claims. Further, it is required tosufficiently refer to the documents that have been already disclosed, soas to fully understand the objects and effects of the invention.

The above descriptions include a process that is executed on a computeror computer network. The above descriptions and expressions have beenprovided so that the one skilled in the art can understand the inventionmost effectively. In the specification, the steps used to induce oneresult or blocks having a predetermined processing function should beunderstood as a process having no self-contradiction. Further, theelectrical or magnetic signal is transmitted/received and written in thesteps or blocks. Although the respective processes in the steps orblocks embody the signal as a bit, value, symbol character, term, numberand the like, it should be noted that these have been used for theconvenience of descriptions. Further, although the respective processesin the steps or blocks have been often described as an expression commonto a human action, the process described in the specification isexecuted by a variety of devices in principle. Further, the otherstructures necessary for the steps or blocks are apparent from the abovedescriptions.

1. A gaming machine comprising: a gaming machine main body that executesa game; a plurality of terminal devices each of which receives a bet forthe game and awards a payout; a display device that displays image datarelating to the game; and a controller operates: (a1) to award to eachterminal device a base payout based on an execution result of the gameand a game value bet; (a2) to determine whether to set each of theterminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on therespective bets in the terminal devices; (a3) when the possible targetis set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specifythe terminal device as the possible target; (a4) to randomly select aspecial payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and(a5) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the specialpayout target.
 2. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller operates: (b1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding toa stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;(b2) to award to each terminal device a base payout, based on a payoutrate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game valuebet on the bet area; (b3) to determine whether to set each of theterminal devices as a possible target for a special payout, based on therespective bets in the terminal devices; (b4) when the possible targetis set, to output the image data to the display device so as to specifythe terminal device of the possible target; (b5) to randomly select aspecial payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and(b6) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the specialpayout target.
 3. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller operates: (c1) to set, as a win mark, a mark corresponding toa stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in the roulette unit;(c2) to award to each terminal device a base payout based on a payoutrate set for a bet area corresponding to the win mark and a game valuebet on the bet area; (c3) to calculate a summed value of game values betin the respective terminal devices, respectively; (c4) to set, as apossible target, a terminal device having the summed value of the gamevalues, which is a predetermined value or more, (c5) when the possibletarget is set, to output the image data to the display device so as tospecify the terminal device of the possible target; (c6) to randomlyselect a special payout target from one or more possible targets; and(c7) to award a special payout in the terminal device of the specialpayout target.
 4. A gaming machine comprising: a roulette unit thatexecutes a roulette game in which a ball rolls on a wheel having aplurality of marks disposed thereon; a plurality of terminal deviceseach of which has a plurality of bet areas corresponding to at least onemark, and receives a bet on the bet areas and awards a payout; a displaydevice that displays image data relating to the roulette game; and acontroller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types ofspecial payout symbols and operates: (d1) to set, as a win mark, a markcorresponding to a stop position of the ball after the ball rolls in theroulette unit; (d2) to award to each terminal device a base payout,based on a payout rate set for a bet area corresponding to the win markand a game value bet on the bet area; (d3) to determine whether to seteach of the terminal devices as a possible target for a special payout,based on the respective bets in the terminal devices; (d4) when thepossible target is set, to randomly select one special payout symbolfrom the special payout symbols and to display the one special payoutsymbol on the display device; (d5) when the possible target is set, tooutput the image data to the display device so as to specify theterminal device of the possible target; (d6) to randomly select aspecial payout target from a group of one or more possible targets; and(d7) to award a special payout corresponding to the special payoutsymbol in the terminal device of the special payout target.
 5. A gamingmachine comprising: a roulette unit that executes a roulette game inwhich a ball rolls on a wheel having a plurality of marks disposedthereon; a plurality of terminal devices each of which has a pluralityof bet areas corresponding to at least one mark, and receives a bet onthe bet areas and awards a payout; a display device that is provided toeach of the terminal devices and displays image data relating to theroulette game and the bet areas; a light transmissive touch panel thatis provided to a front of the display device to be press-operable; and acontroller that stores, as the image data, a plurality of types ofspecial payout symbols and operates: (e1) to receive a bet on the betarea corresponding to a pressed location of the touch panel; (e2) toset, as a win mark, a mark corresponding to a stop position of the ballafter the ball rolls in the roulette unit; (e3) to award to eachterminal device a base payout, based on a payout rate set for a bet areacorresponding to the win mark and a game value bet on the bet area; (e4)to calculate a summed value of game values bet in the respectiveterminal devices, respectively; (e5) to set, as a possible target, aterminal device having the summed value of the game values, which is apredetermined value or more, (e6) when the possible target is set, torandomly select one special payout symbol from the special payoutsymbols and to display the one special payout symbol on the displaydevice; (e7) when the possible target is set, to output the image datato the display device so as to specify the terminal device of thepossible target; (e8) to randomly select a special payout target from agroup of one or more possible targets; and (e9) to award a specialpayout corresponding to the special payout symbol in the terminal deviceof the special payout target.
 6. A playing method of a gaming machine,comprising the steps of: awarding a base payout based on an executionresult of a game and a game value bet, for each of a plurality ofterminal devices each of which receives a bet for a game and awards apayout; setting a possible target for a special payout, based on therespective bets in the terminal devices; when the possible target isset, displaying image data so as to specify a terminal device of thepossible target; randomly selecting a special payout target from a groupof one or more possible targets; and awarding a special payout in theterminal device of the special payout target.